Chapter 4.1.9 Ground Water Resources Theni District

CHAPTER 4.1.9 GROUND WATER RESOURCES

THENI DISTRICT

INDEX

CHAPTER PAGE NO. INTRODUCTION 3

THENI DISTRICT – ADMINISTRATIVE SETUP 3

1. HYDROGEOLOGY 3-7

2. GROUND WATER REGIME MONITORING 8-15

3. DYNAMIC GROUND WATER RESOURCES 15-24

4. GROUND WATER QUALITY ISSUES 24-25

5. GROUND WATER ISSUES AND CHALLENGES 25-26

6. GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT AND REGULATION 26-32

7. TOOLS AND METHODS 32-33

8. PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 33-36

9. REFORMS UNDERTAKEN/ BEING UNDERTAKEN

/ PROPOSED IF ANY

10. ROAD MAPS OF ACTIVITIES/TASKS PROPOSED

FOR BETTER GOVERNANCE WITH TIMELINES AND

AGENCIES RESPONSIBLE FOR EACH ACTIVITY

GROUND WATER REPORT OF THENI DISTRICT

INRODUCTION :

In Tamil Nadu, the surface water resources are fully utilized by various stake holders. The demand of water is increasing day by day. So, groundwater resources play a vital role for additional demand by farmers and Industries and domestic usage leads to rapid development of groundwater. About 63% of available groundwater resources are now being used. However, the development is not uniform all over the State, and in certain districts of Tamil Nadu, intensive groundwater development had led to declining water levels, increasing trend of Over Exploited and Critical Firkas, saline water intrusion, etc.

ADMINISTRATIVE SET UP The geographical extent of Theni District is 3, 24,230 hectares or 3,242.30 sq.km. Accounting for 2.05 percent of the geographical area of Tamilnadu State. The district has well laid roads and railway lines connecting all major towns within and outside the State. . For administrative purpose, the district has been bifurcated into 5 Taluks, 8 Blocks and 17 Firkas . Theni is a major city with Municipality status (vide Map 1)

Theni District has five Municipalities. They are Theni, Cumbum, Bodi, CXhinnamanur and Periyakulam. Theni District falls between the following Co-ordinates.

Latitude North: 09°30’00” to 10°14’ 00” (N)

Longitude East : 77°12’00” to 77°43’00” (E)

Theni district is totally bifurcated into 17 Firkas.

1. Hydrogelogy

(i) Major Geological formations:

Geology

Geologically the entire district is traversed by hard crystalline rocks of Archaen rocks. However valley fill sediments are found in the Southern part of Andipatti Taluk and Western portion of the Western ghats comprising Bodi, Devaram and Cumbum regions.

Hard rock

More than 90 percent of the district is underlain by hard rocks. The Gneissic type of formation is found in the western ghats and its offshoots, Cumbum valley etc., Infact, Granite gneiss is the predominant rock in this district. This is the major formation among the various types of hard rocks.

Charnockite occurs as distinct pockets in part of Periyakulam Taluk. Quartzite which is resistant to weathering are also seen as patched in charnockite and gneissic rock.

Garnetiferous mic gneiss occurs as a line batch in the North East-South West direction covering Myladumparai and Southern part of Andipatti Blocks.

Valley fill sediments

Valleyfill sediments composed of admixtures of calcareous mud, clay, silt and sand occur in several places in the western portion particularly in Uthamapalayam Taluk. Good deposits are found in Cumbum Valley, Varshanad Valley and near Palakombai. These are the products of quick transportation of weathering material from the adjacent mountain slopes around the valley.

Alluvial deposits such as sand, silt, stiff clay, gravel etc., which are transported sediments by the river are found on either side of Vaigai near Theni block. These formations are overlying the hard rock as a thin layer which is insignificant in the Ground Water Development.

The geological succession of the district is as follows:

Era Age Formation Lithology Alluvium, Laterite Sand, clay, silt, kankar pebbles Quaternary Recent and Valleyfill and laterite sediments UNCONFORMITY Granites with pegmatites and Quartzites, granite, Azoic Precambrian Crystalline rocks Garnetiferous Mica Gneiss, Charnockite and Complex gneisses

Occurrence of Ground Water

Hard rock formation

Gneissic Rock

Ground water occurs under water table or phreatic conditions in weathered, jointed and fractured formations. The pore space developed in the weathered mantle( disintegrated material) acts as shallow granular aquifers and forms the potential water bearing and yielding zones. Water table is very shallow in canal and tank irrigated regions whereas it is somewhat deeper in other regions.

Charnockite rock

Ground water occurs under water table or phreatic conditions but the intensity of weathering, joint, fracture and its development is much less when compared to gneissic formations. As a result, these are not termed as potential water bearing zones excepting in a region where the intensity of weathering coupled with development of joints and fractures is greater. Sometimes the occurrence of kankar material over charnockite hampers the permeability and well yielding capacity.

Valleyfill sediments

Ground water occurs under water table or semi confined conditions. The valleyfill sediments are highly porous and permeable and the sandy material facilitates vertical infiltration. Valleyfill sediments play a vital road in the development of Ground Water in Theni District.

Drilling of Bore holes

The occurrence and movement of ground water in hard rock formations are restricted to open system of fractures like fissures and joints in the unweathered portion and also in the porous zones of weathered formations.

Generally, in hard rock regions occurrence of weathered layer is discontinuous both in space and depth. Hence, recharge in hard rock formations is influenced by the intensity of weathering. The sub surface condition can be ascertained by drilling exploratory bore holes and conducting pumping tests.

The ground water wing, during the course of investigation, has drilled 45 bore holes spread over the entire district to find out the nature and behavior of the sub surface formations. There is considerable diversity in the nature of formation even with the short distance. Uttamapalayam taluk there is considerable thickness of valley fill sediments ranging form 30-40m below ground level along valley portions. In the reserve forest and hilly areas, around Periyakulam and Andipatti taluks, the weathering zone is limited to 20-25m below Ground level.

In the remaining part of the district the wearing zone varies form 30-40m below ground level and the lithology particulars of selected bore wells drilled in Theni District

Formation No. of Bore Holes Drilled Hard Rock 42 Valley fill sediments 3 Total 45

Aquifier Parameters

Hard rock

The thickness of aquifer in this district is highly erratic and varies between 15 and 40 m below ground level. The intergranular porosity is essential dependant upon the intensity and degree of weathering and fracture development in the bed rock. As discussed earlier, deep weathering has developed in gnessic formations and moderate weathering in charnockite formations. The range of aquifer parameters in hard rock regions in given below

Parameters Range 1. Well yield in Ipm 45-135 2. Transmissivity (T) in m2/day 15-60 3. Permeability (K) in m/day 0.98-2.45 4. Specific Capacity 0.30-1.30 m3/ m/DD

Valley fill sediments

The boundaries of this deposit are well defined in Theniar sun basin where the thickness varies from 40 to 60 m below ground level. In other areas the thickness of valley fill sediments slightly varies between 30 and 40 m below ground level. Recharge is mainly from precipitation and surface runoff during monsoon seasons. The range of aquifer parameter values of valley fill sediments are furnished below:

Parameters Range 1. Well yield in Ipm 225-450 2. Transmissivity (T) in m2/day 75-150 3. Permeability (K) in m/day 1.95-4.40 4. Specific Capacity 0.40-6.13 m3/ m/DD

Drilling of Exploratory Bore holes

Based on the interpretations made from aerial photographs and satellite imageries, Geophysical vertical Electrical soundings are conducted and favourable locations are selected for exploratory drilling of bore holes. After completion of drilling, the aquifer characteristics are determined by conducting pumping tests to evaluate the ground water potential of the area.

Since the inception of this department 45 exploratory bore holes were drilled in Theni District. Out of 45 bore welss were drilled in hard rock formations covering the entire district. Mahority of the bore wells have been handed over to Municipalities, Panchayat unions etc., on free of cost for drinking water supply schemes.

(iii) Drilling: The drilling types are different according to the formation of the terrain. In general, DTH rigs are used in Hard rock formations for drilling a borewell at a depth ranges from 30m to 200m, according to the extension of joints, fractures, lineaments, etc in an area. In Sedimentary formations, rotary rigs with different rotors used according to the Tube well’s diameter. The Bento novate clay is used in rotary rigs to avoid the collapse of the Tube well. The sedimentary tube wells are drilled up to a depth of 30m to 300m depending on the area, yield,etc. In alluvial formations, the hand rotary used for drilling tube wells ranges from 10m to 15m.In river beds, infiltration tube wells used for extraction of groundwater.

In Hard rock, the well designing is simple. The upper top soil and highly weathered zone is cased with PVC pipe and the remaining weathered, Fissured, Jointed portion is left as it is. In Villupuram District, the weathered zone ranges from 1.0m to 12.0m. In Granitic gneiss area, the highly weathered portion will be more up to 15m but in charnockite area, the weathered zone will extend up to 8.0m to 10.m only. In Sedimentary area, the well construction depends on the occurrence of sand thickness in the referred area. The logger is also used in the construction to identify the area of good quality of water.

2. GROUNDWATER REGIME MONITORING:

(i) Notes on existing water level scenario:

The water level is being monitored by State Ground & Surface Water Resources Data Centre from 1971 onwards from a network of 1746 observation wells (shallow open wells) located all over the State. The water level readings are observed in the first week of every month by the field officers. In Theni District,98 observation wells and 70 piezometers,totally 168 wells are monitoring on Monthly basis. The Central Ground Water Board also monitors the water level from 900 numbers of wells spread all over the State. They observe water level four times in a year. ( i.e January, May, August and November). The collected water level data are uploaded in GWDES software and database is maintained regularly for analysing the water level trend with rainfall. From the Monitoring network of wells, the selected representative wells are taken for Resource Estimation computations. In Theni District, during the pre monsoon, the water level generally in declining trend ranges from G.L. to 15m. The depth of well below GroundLevel 12.0m are become dry during hot season like May, June, July. In the post monsoon, the water level generally in upward trend due to rainfall and it may reach the Ground Level also. The water level trend maps for pre and post monsoons are included as Annexure- I & II. (ii) Long term trend of water level:

The long term fluctuations of water levels range from G.L. to 14.0m in many parts of the Theni District. The analysis reveals that the water level has gone down in the north, west and central parts of the Theni District. The inference taken from the annual fluctuation is due to lack of rainfall which in turn affects the groundwater levels in phreatic aquifer. The seasonal fluctuation study reveals that due to necessity for development of ground water for different sectored needs and due to failure of monsoons, the water level has gone down. The hydrograph of observation wells water level trend from 2005 to 2017 enclosed as Annexure – III and water level trend from 2000 to 2017 of Piezometers enclosed as Annexure – IV for Villupuram District. (iii) Existing network of Monitoring wells: In Theni District, the existing network of monitoring wells is 168 wells, 98 wells are observation wells and 70 wells are piezometers. These wells are observed for every month water level.

Theni District: Observation Wells - Location and Co-ordinates

Tahsil / Block / Well No District Village Latitude Longitude Taluk Mandal Uthamapalay 83002 A Theni Cumbum Narayanathevanpatti 09°43'09" 77°18'36" am 83009 A Theni Theni Theni Venkatachalapuram 09°55'08" 77°27'20" Bodinayakanu 83010 A Theni Bodinayakanur Bodinayakanur 10°00'46" 77°21'10" r 83023 A Theni Periyakulam Periyakulam Devadanapatti 10°08'43" 77°38'30" Uthamapalay 83045 A Theni Cumbum Cumbum 09°44'07" 77°17'12" am Uthamapalay 83045 B Theni Cumbum Cumbum 09°44'07" 77°17'12" am

K 83067 A Theni Andipatti Tekampatti 09°56'28" 77°32'28" Mayiladumparai

83068 A Theni Theni Theni Seelayampatti 09°52'17" 77°23'36" Uthamapalay 83069 A Theni Uthamapalayam Sankarapuram 09°54'34" 77°20'05" am 503001 Theni Andipatti Andipatti Kunnur 10°00'19" 77°31'25" 503002 Theni Andipatti Andipatti Vallalnadi 09°59'55" 77°32'47" 503003 Theni Andipatti Andipatti Marikundu 09°58'11" 77°32'50" 503004 Theni Andipatti Andipatti Kovilpatti 10°01'43" 77°34'39" 503005 Theni Andipatti Andipatti Pulimankombai 10°04'51" 77°41'33" 503006 Theni Theni Theni Govindapuram 09°54'50" 77°30'11" Bodinayakkan Bodinayakkanoo 503007 Theni Uppukottai 09°57'21" 77°24'17" oor r Bodinayakkan Bodinayakkanoo 503008 Theni Rasingapuram 09°57'05" 77°20'17" oor r Bodinayakkan Bodinayakkanoo 503009 Theni Ammapatti 09°58'32" 77°21'52" oor r Bodinayakkan Bodinayakkanoo 503010 Theni Meenakshipuram 09°59'15" 77°21'48" oor r Bodinayakkan Bodinayakkanoo Melachokkanathapura 503011 Theni 09°59'27" 77°21'43" oor r m Uttamapalaya Keela 503012 Theni Chinnamanur 09°51'47" 77°23'24" m Poolandapuram Uttamapalaya 503013 Theni Chinnamanur Markeyankottai 09°51'20" 77°21'47" m

Uttamapalaya 503014 Theni Chinnamanur Muthulapuram 09°47'41" 77°22'25" m Uttamapalaya 503015 Theni Chinnamanur Odaipatti 09°50'08" 77°26'23" m

503016 Theni Andipatti Kadamalaikundu Myladumparai 09°46'15" 77°30'51"

10°05'39" 77°30'51" 503017 Theni Periakulam Periyakulam Jeyamangalam 77°36'40"

10°03'08" 77°36'40"77°30'51" 503018 Theni Periakulam Periyakulam Melmangalam 77°34'03"

503019 Theni Periakulam Periyakulam Tamaraikulam 10°06'27" 77°33'17" Vadaveeranaickanpat 503020 Theni Periakulam Periyakulam 10°01'44" 77°30'37" ty 503021 Theni Periakulam Periyakulam Ganguvarpatty 10°10'14" 77°41'52" 503022 Theni Theni Theni Unjampatti 10°02'43" 77°30'13" 503023 Theni Theni Theni Allinagaram 10°00'48" 77°28'20" 503024 Theni Theni Theni Veerapandi 09°58'47" 77°27'05" 503025 Theni Theni Theni Poomalaigundu 09°53'07" 77°27'56" Uttamapalaya 503026 Theni Chinnamanur Kamayagoundanpatti 09°44'12" 77°18'49" m 81120 A Theni Andipatti Andipatti Theppampatti 09°54'32" 77°36'04" 81120 B Theni Andipatti Theppampatti Theppampatti 09°53'46" 77°35'38" 81120A Theni Andipatti Andipatti Theppampatti 09°54'32" 77°36'04" 81120B Theni Andipatti Andipatti Theppampatti 90°53'47" 77°35'38" Uthamapalay 83001 Theni Cumbum Melagudalur 09°40'53" 77°14'55" am Uttamapalaya 83001 A Theni Cumbum Melagudalur 09°36'49" 77°11'29" m Uttamapalaya 83001A Theni Cumbum Melakudalur 09°40'33" 77°14'26" m Uthamapalay 83002 Theni Cumbum Surilipatti 09°42'25" 77°18'01" am Uthamapalay 83002 B Theni Cumbum Narayanathevanpatti 09°43'09" 77°18'36" am Uttamapalaya 83002 C Theni Cumbum Surulipatti 09°42'46" 77°18'09" m Uttamapalaya 83002C Theni Cumbum Surulipatti 09°42'46" 77°18'09" m 83009 Theni Theni Theni Junglepatti 09°55'00" 77°28'29" 83009 A Theni Theni Theni Venkatachalapuram 09°55'08" 77°27'20" 83009B Theni Theni Theni Jangalpatti 90°53'16" 77°28'33" Uthamapalay 83010 Theni Cumbum Bodinayakanur 10°00'10" 77°21'20" am Bodinayakanu 83010 A Theni Bodinayakanur Bodinayakanur 10°00'46" 77°21'10" r 83011 Theni Theni Theni Theni 10°00'04" 77°27'01"

83011A Theni Theni Theni Rathnam Colony 10°01'58" 77°29'23" 83012 Theni Andipatti Andipatti Andipatti 09°59'30" 77°37'51" 83023 Theni Periyakulam Periyakulam Devathanapatti 10°08'34" 77°38'50" 83023 A Theni Periyakulam Periyakulam Devadanapatti 10°08'43" 77°38'30" Uthamapalay 83045 B Theni Cumbum Cumbum 09°44'07" 77°17'12" am Uthamapalay 83046 Theni Cumbum Keelgudalur 09°39'44" 77°16'35" am Uthamapalay 83053 Theni Chinnamannur Erasakanayakanur 09°47'31" 77°23'55" am Uttamapalaya 83053 B Theni Chinnamannur Erasakkanayakanur 09°47'30" 77°23'26" m Uthamapalay 83053A Theni Chinnamannur Erasakanayakanur 09°47'32" 77°23'55" am Uttamapalaya 83053B Theni Chinnamanur Errasakanaikaur 09°47'30" 77°23'26" m Uthamapalay 83054 Theni Uthamapalayam Uthamapalayam 09°48'15" 77°19'44" am 83066 Theni Andipatti Andipatti Palakombai 09°54'06" 77°37'32" K.Mayiladumpar 83067 Theni Andipatti Gandamanur 09°55'21" 77°31'29" ai

K 83067 A Theni Andipatti Tekampatti 09°56'28" 77°32'28" Mayiladumparai

83068 Theni Theni Theni Kottur 09°53'57" 77°24'33" 83068 A Theni Theni Theni Seelayampatti 09°52'17" 77°23'36" 83068B Theni Theni Theni Kottur 09°53'06" 77°24'33" Uthamapalay 83069 Theni Chinnamannur Sankarapuram 09°53'08" 77°20'00" am Uthamapalay 83069 A Theni Uthamapalayam Sankarapuram 09°54'34" 77°20'05" am Uttamapalaya 83069 B Theni Uttamapalayam S. Tharmathupatti 09°53'41" 77°19'51" m Uttamapalaya 83069B Theni Uttamapalayam S.tharmathupatti 09°53'41" 77°19'52" m Uthamapalay 83070 Theni Uthamapalayam T.Meenakshipuram 09°53'00" 77°16'54" am Uttamapalaya Thevaram 83070 A Theni Uttamapalayam 09°53'46" 77°17'00" m Chellayapuram Uttamapalaya 83070A Theni Uthamapalayam Chellayapuram 09°53'54" 77°17'13" m

83083 Theni Andipatti Andipatti Timmarasanayakanur 10°00'00" 77°44'42"

Thimmarasanayakan 83083 A Theni Andipatti Andipatti 09°59'29" 77°40'39" ur Thimmarasanaiyakan 83083A Theni Andipatti Andipatti 09°59'28" 77°40'39" ur 12

83084 Theni Andipatti Andipatti Arapadithevanpatti 10°00'27" 77°32'06" 83084 A Theni Andipatti Andipatti Arapadithevanpatti 10°00'24" 77°31'46" 83084A Theni Andipatti Andipatti Arapadithevenpatti 10°00'24" 77°31'46" Bodinayackan 83085 Theni Bodinayakanur Kodangipatti 09°59'33" 77°26'31" ur 83086 Theni Theni Theni Madurapur 10°03'20" 77°30'50" 83086A Theni Periyakulam Periyakulam Tamaraikulam 10°04'56" 77°31'25" 83086AY Theni Periyakulam Periyakulam Tamaraikulam 10°04'56" 77°31'25" 83087 Theni Andipatti Andipatti Melmangalam 10°03'31" 77°35'26" 83087A Theni Periakulam Periyakulam Vaigaipudur 10°03'34" 77°36'00" 83088 Theni Periyakulam Periyakulam Gullapuram 10°03'52" 77°38'36" 83088A Theni Periakulam Periyakulam Gullapuram 10°04'06" 77°38'56" 83500 Theni Periyakulam Periyakulam Genguvarpatti 10°08'17" 77°42'04" 83500A Theni Periakulam Periyakulam Kottarpatti 10°08'13" 77°42'04" 83501 Theni Periyakulam Periyakulam Gandipuram 10°07'40" 77°33'17" 83501A Theni Periakulam Periyakulam Gandinagar 10°07'44" 77°33'26"

K 83553 Theni Andipatti Kadamalaikundu 09°48'44" 77°30'29" Mayiladumparai

K.mayiladumpar 83553 A Theni Andipatti Kadamalaikundu 09°50'22" 77°29'52" ai

83553A Theni Andipatti K.myladumparai Kadamalaikundu 09°50'22" 77°29'21"

Uthamapalay 83554 Theni Uthamapalayam Kombai 09°51'02" 77°17'45" am Uttamapalaya 83554 B Theni Uttamapalayam Pannaipuram 09°51'58" 77°17'08" m Uthamapalay 83554A Theni Uthamapalayam Kombai 09°51'02" 77°17'45" am Uttamapalaya 83554B Theni Uttamapalayam Pannaipuram 09°51'58" 77°17'08" m Uthamapalay A83554 Theni Uthamapalayam Kombai 09°51'02" 77°17'45" am B83068 Theni Theni Theni Kottur 09°53'06" 77°24'33"

Theni District- Piezometers - Location and Co-ordinates

Well no District Tashil/Taluk Block/Mandal Village Latitude Longitude AWLR Theni Uttamapalayam Thevaram 9.8963890 77.278333 81025 AWLR Theni Periakulam Thevendrapuram 10.136944 77.559444 81067 Bodinayakkan 23001D Theni Bodinayakanur Bodinayakanur 10.015278 77.354167 ur

Uthamapalaya 23002D Theni Cumbum Cumbum 9.7402780 77.287500 m Uthamapalaya Chinnanmann 23003D Theni Sankarapuram 9.9069440 77.334722 m ur Uthamapalaya Uthamapalaya 23004D Theni Uthamapalayam 9.8041670 77.329167 m m 23005D Theni Periyakulam Periyakulam Periyakulam 10.122778 77.542778 23006D Theni Periyakulam Periyakulam Devadanapatti 10.145556 77.644444 23007D Theni Periyakulam Periyakulam Gullapuram 10.066667 77.565278 23008 A Theni Periakulam Andipatti Rajathani 10.909722 77.588889 23008D Theni Andipatti Andipatti Rajadhani 9.9347220 77.595278 23009 A Theni Andipatti Andipatti Kunnur 10.006944 77.522222 23009D Theni Andipatti Andipatti Arappadidevanpatti 10.006111 77.518056 23010D Theni Theni Theni Seelayampatty 9.8694440 77.389444 23011D Theni Theni Theni Virapandi 9.9638890 77.441667 Bodinayakkan 23012D Theni Bodinayakanur Kodangipatti 10.991667 77.433333 ur Bodinayakkano Bodinayakkan 23013 A Theni Silamalai 9.9613890 77.338333 or oor Bodinayakkan 23013D Theni Bodinayakanur Silamalai 9.9547220 77.337222 ur Bodinayakkano 23014A Theni Chinnamaur Pottipuram 9.9377780 77.308333 or Bodinayakkano Bodinayakkan 23014D Theni Pottipuram 9.9383330 77.307778 or ur 23015A Theni Uttamapalayam Cumbum Keelagudalur 9.6777780 77.250000 Bodinayakkano Bodinayakkan 23015D Theni Bodinayakkanoor 1.6777780 77.250000 or oor K.Mayiladump 23016D Theni Andipatti Kadamalaikundu 9.8055560 77.503889 arai K.Mayiladump 23017D Theni Andipatti Gandamanur 9.9222220 77.522222 arai 23018 A Theni Uttamapalayam Chinnamanur Odaipatti 9.8402780 77.427778 Uthamapalaya Uthamapalaya 23018D Theni Odaipatti 9.8313890 77.442500 m m Uttamapalaya 23019D Theni Uttamapalayam Surilipatty 9.7250000 77.265278 m 23020D Theni Andipatti Andipatti Kothaluthu 9.9805560 77.613333 23021D Theni Theni Theni Mariammankoilpatti 9.9975000 77.449167 MWS2302 Kadamalai.myl Theni Andipatti Thummagundu 9.6802780 77.483889 2 adumparai MWS2302 Kadamalai.myl Theni Andipatti Singarajapuram 9.7225000 77.506111 3 adumparai MWS2302 Kadamalai.myl Theni Andipatti Voikkalparai 9.7663890 77.564167 4 adumparai

MWS2302 Kadamalai.myl Theni Andipatti Ottanai 9.7630560 77.519722 5 adumparai MWS2302 Kadamalai.myl Theni Andipatti Kumanantholu 9.7583330 77.476389 6 adumparai Kadamalikund MWS2302 Theni Andipatti u Kumanantholu 9.7583330 77.476389 6 A myladumpara MWS2302 Theni Andipatti Andipatti Kanniappapillaipatti 90.965278 77.599444 7 MWS2302 T.Bomminaickenpatt Theni Andipatti Andipatti 9.9961110 77.667500 8 i MWS2302 Theni Andipatti Andipatti T.Rajagopalanpatti 9.9986110 77.648611 9 MWS2302 Theni Andipatti Andipatti T.rajagopalanpatty 10 77.647778 9A MWS2303 Theni Andipatti Andipatti Andipatti 10.000278 77.632778 0 MWS2303 Theni Andipatti Andipatti Kottodaipatti 10.056944 77.708333 1 MWS2303 Theni Andipatti Andipatti Natchiarpuram 10.017500 77.587500 2 MWS2303 Theni Andipatti Andipatti Kuriammalpuram 10.030000 77.583056 3 MWS2303 Theni Periakulam Periakulam A.Renganathapuram 10.101389 77.681667 4 MWS2303 Theni Periakulam Periakulam Sathakovilpatti 10.141667 77.666389 5 MWS2303 Theni Periakulam Periakulam E.Pudupatti 10.123056 77.577500 6 MWS2303 Veerasakkammalpur Theni Periakulam Periakulam 10.069444 77.539722 7 am MWS2303 Theni Periakulam Periakulam Keelakamakkapatti 10.079722 77.570556 8 MWS2303 Theni Periakulam Periakulam Pinnathevanpatti 10.020556 77.525000 9 MWS2303 Theni Periakulam Periakulam Pinnathevanpatti 10.021944 77.523611 9A MWS2304 Theni Periakulam Periakulam Unjanpatti 10.041111 77.508333 0 MWS2304 Theni Theni Theni Unjampatti 10.042778 77.506944 0 A MWS2304 Theni Theni Theni Allinagaram 10.027500 77.485000 1 MWS2304 Theni Theni Theni Koduvilarpatti 9.9700000 77.493056 2

MWS2304 Theni Theni Theni Govindanagaram 9.9077780 77.505833 3 MWS2304 Theni Theni Theni Kattunaickenpatti 9.9227780 77.460556 4 MWS2304 Theni Theni Theni Upparpatti 9.9527780 77.421667 5 MWS2304 Theni Theni Theni Kottur 9.9041670 77.406389 6 MWS2304 Theni Theni Bodi Uppukottai 9.9563890 77.410556 7 MWS2304 Bodinayakkano Theni Bodi Mundal 10.054444 77.313611 8 or MWS2304 Theni Uttamapalayam Chinnamanur Chinnamanur 9.8458330 77.387500 9 MWS2305 Theni Uttamapalayam Chinnamanur Kanniampatti 9.7988890 77.381667 0 MWS2305 Uttamapalaya Theni Uttamapalayam T. Meenakshipuram 9.8808330 77.275833 1 m MWS2305 Uttamapalaya Theni Uttamapalayam Kombai 9.8386110 77.284444 2 m MWS2305 Kamayagoundanpatt Theni Uttamapalayam Cumbum 9.7361110 77.321111 3 i MWS2305 Kamayagoundanpatt Theni Uttamapalayam Cumbum 9.7361110 77.321111 3 A i MWS2305 Theni Uttamapalayam Cumbum Narayanathevanpatti 9.7236110 77.309444 4 MWS2305 Karunakkamuthanpa Theni Uttamapalayam Cumbum 9.6813890 77.288889 5 tti MWS2305 Theni Uttamapalayam Cumbum Paliyankudi 9.6180560 77.221944 6 (iv) Data Constraints:

The following are constraints in collecting the water level data in the field and validating the data are:

1) The water level data are collected on the monthly basis in the referred observation wells and piezometers. The collected data is not sufficient quantity for analyzing purpose due to drying of wells, Wells abounded by various reasons, lack of selecting the alternate wells, lack of open wells available for monitoring purpose due to increased usage of bore wells in the villages, Panchayats, etc. In many villages, the water supply schemes implemented by overhead tank supply or mini energised pumps and the existing open wells are not used generally by the villagers and moreover, they filled with garbage.

2) The number of bore wells should be increased for monitoring purpose. 3) The site selection of new bore wells should be based on the Geological methods. 4) Strengthening the network of monitoring wells by closing the gaps in the network. 5) Maintenance cost should be allotted to maintain the bore wells on the periodical basis to maintain the quality as well as yield. 6) Installation of Automatic water level recorders in the sensitive and more water level fluctuation in the bore wells will helpful to monitor the extensive depletion of groundwater areas. 7) Upgrading the measuring instruments will helpful to take accurate reading of water levels in the field. 8) Upgrading the soft ware will helpful to minimize the errors and increasing the accuracy of data. 9) Erecting the Telemetric water level recorders in the over exploited Firkas will helpful to monitor the over extraction of groundwater.

10)Lack of manpower and transporting vehicles are also major problems for data collection in the field in proper time.

3. DYNAMIC GROUND WATER RESOURCES:

The State Ground and Surface Water Resources Data Centre has estimated the ground water resources of Tamil Nadu periodically in co-ordination with the Central Ground Water Board, Government of India , Ministry of Water Resources, Chennai, based on the Methodology evolved by the Ground Water Resources Estimation Committee, 1997 (GEC 97).

Groundwater potential assessment is a dynamic one and not static. While assessing an area, the following factors can be considered such as Geology, Total Irrigated Area, Total Number of Wells used for Irrigation, Water Level Data for the past five years, Average Rainfall, Total Recharge, Irrigation methods adopted in the area, Cropping pattern details, Seepage factor, Specific yield, Geological conditions prevailing in that area, Recharge through Artificial recharge structures, etc.

Groundwater potential assessment proposal should be presented for approval in the Central and State Level Working Group Committees and then,

17 presented for final approval in the Central Level Committee as well as State Level Committees.

The Ground Water Potential Assessments as on January 1992 and January 1997 were done in the State, taking the Panchayat Union Block as an Assessment Unit and the entire State was categorized as Dark, Grey and White areas. The Blocks with more than 85% to 100% ground water development (extraction) were categorized as “Dark Blocks” and the blocks with ground water development between 65% to 85% were categorized as “Grey Blocks” and blocks with less than 65% ground water development were categorized as “White Blocks”.

Subsequently, the Ground Water Potential Assessment was done as on March 2003 and as on March 2009. In these assessments, the Panchayat Union Blocks in Tamil Nadu were categorized as Over-Exploited, Critical, Semi- Critical, Safe and Saline instead of Dark, Grey and White blocks. The Blocks with more than 100% extraction were categorized as “Over Exploited Blocks”, the blocks with 90% to 100% extraction as “Critical Blocks”, the blocks with 65% to 90% extraction as “Semi Critical Blocks”, the blocks with less than 65% extraction as “Safe Blocks” and the bad quality blocks were categorized as “Saline Blocks”. No schemes should be formulated in over exploited and critical blocks - “Notified Blocks – A category – (Stage of Groundwater extraction is 90% and above)”.

The re-estimation of groundwater resources in the State as on March 2011 and as on March 2013 can be assessed in Micro Level basis. In these assessments, the assessing unit is Firka ( Unit of Taluk) and categorized as Over- Exploited, Critical, Semi-Critical, Safe, and Saline Firkas. As on March 2013 assessment, in the Villupuram District

Based on the Estimation of Ground Water Resources of Tamil Nadu State as on March 2013, Out of 1139 Firkas in the State, 358 Firkas are categorized as “Over Exploited Firkas”, 105 Firkas are categorized as “Critical Firkas”, 212 Firkas are categorized as “Semi Critical Firkas”, 429 Firkas are categorized as “Safe Firkas” and 35 Firkas are categorized as “Saline Firkas”.

When compared to last assessment as on March 2011, the “Over Exploited Firkas” comes down from 374 to 358 Firkas, the “Critical Firkas” increased

18 from 48 to 105 Firkas, the “Semi Critical Firkas” comes down marginally from 235 to 212 Firkas, the “Safe Firkas” comes down marginally from 437 to 429 Firkas and the “Saline Firkas” remains same as 35 Firkas. The alteration of Firkas are due to the construction of Artificial Recharge structures such as Check Dams, Recharge Wells, Recharge shafts, percolation ponds; etc was constructed in the “Over Exploited Firkas” by various departments. Methodology adopted for Estimation of Ground Water Potential : The present methodology used for resources assessment is known as Ground Water Resource Estimation Methodology - 1997 (GEC'97) .In GEC'97, two approaches are recommended - water level fluctuation method and norms of rainfall infiltration method. The water level fluctuation method is based on the concept of storage change due to differences between various input and output components. Input refers to recharge from rainfall and other sources and subsurface inflow into the unit of assessment. Output refers to ground water draft, ground water evapotranspiration, base flow to streams and subsurface outflow from the unit. Since the data on subsurface inflow / outflow are not readily available, it is advantageous to adopt the unit for ground water assessment as basin / sub basin / watershed, as the inflow / outflow across these boundaries may be taken as negligible. In each assessment unit, hilly areas having slope more than 20% are deleted from the total area to get the area suitable for recharge. Further, areas where the quality of ground water is beyond the usable limits should be identified and handled separately. The remaining area after deleting the hilly area and separating the area with poor ground water quality is to be delineated into command and non-command areas. Ground water assessment in command and non-command areas are done separately for monsoon and non-monsoon seasons. The rainfall recharge during monsoon season computed by Water Level Fluctuation (WLF) method is compared with recharge figures from Rainfall Infiltration Factor (RIF) method. In case the difference between the two sets of data are more than 20% then RIF figure is considered, otherwise monsoon recharge from WLF is adopted. While adopting the rainfall recharge figures, weight age is to be given to WLF method over adhoc norms method of RIF. Hence, wherever the difference between RIF & WLF is more than 20%, data have to be scrutinized and corrected accordingly. During non-Monsoon season, rainfall recharge is computed by using Rainfall infiltration Factor (RIF) method. Recharge from other sources is then added to 19 get total non-Monsoon recharge. In case of areas receiving less than 10% of the annual rainfall during non-monsoon season, the rainfall recharge is ignored. The total annual ground water recharge of the area is the sum-total of monsoon and non-monsoon recharge. An allowance is kept for natural discharge in the non-monsoon season by deducting 5 to 10 % of total annual ground water recharge. The balance ground water available accounts for existing ground water withdrawal for various uses and potential for future development. This quantity is termed as Net Ground Water Availability. Net Ground Water Availability = Annual Ground Water Recharge - Natural discharge during non-monsoon season.

GEC'97 methodology has recommended norms for various parameters being used in ground water recharge estimation. These norms vary depending upon water bearing formations and agroclimatic conditions. While norms for specific yield and recharge from rainfall values are to be adopted within the guidelines of GEC'97, in case of other parameters like seepage from canals, return flow from irrigation, recharge from tanks & ponds, water conservation structures, results of specific case studies may replace the adhoc norms.

The Gross yearly ground water draft is to be calculated for Irrigation, Domestic and Industrial uses. The gross ground water draft would include the ground water extraction from all existing ground water structures during monsoon as well as during non-monsoon period. While the number of ground water structures should preferably be based on latest well census, the average unit draft from different types of structures should be based on specific studies or adhoc norms given in GEC'97 report.

The stage of Ground water Development is defined by

Stage of Ground water = Existing Gross Ground water Draft for all uses X 100 Development (%) Net annual Ground Water Availability

The units of assessment are categorized for ground water development based on two criteria – a) stage of ground water development and b) long-term trend of pre and post monsoon water levels. Four categories are - Safe areas which have 20

ground water potential for development; Semi-critical areas where cautious ground water development is recommended; Critical areas; Over -exploited areas where there should be intensive monitoring and evaluation and future ground water development be linked with water conservation measures. The criteria for categorization of assessment units are as follows: Stage of S. No. Groundwater Significant Long term Decline Categorization Development

Pre-monsoon Post -monsoon

1. <=70% No No SAFE

Yes / No No / Yes To be re-assessed

Yes Yes To be re-assessed

>70% and 2. No No To be re-assessed <=90%

Yes / No No / Yes SEMI – CRITICAL

Yes Yes SEMI – CRITICAL

>90 and 3. No No To be re-assessed <=100%

Yes / No No / Yes CRITICAL

Yes Yes CRITICAL

4. >100% No No To be re-assessed

Yes / No No / Yes OVER- EXPLOITED

Yes Yes OVER- EXPLOITED

Note:’ To be re-assessed’ means that data is to be checked and reviewed. If the ground water resources assessment and the trend of long term water levels contradict each other. This anomalous situations requires a review of the ground water resource computations, as well as the reliability of water level data. 21

The long term ground water level data should preferably be for a period of 10 years. The significant water level decline may be taken in consideration between 10 to 20 cm/ year depending upon the local hydro geological conditions. Dynamic Ground Water Resources Estimation of TamilNadu As on March 2013 District Summary ( in ha.m )

THENI DISTRICT

Existing

Gross Existing Ground Existing Stage of Net Annual Gross Water Draft Gross Ground Water No of Over Ground Ground for Ground District Development Exploited Water Water Draft domestic Water Draft {(6/3)*100} Availability for and for All uses Firkas % Irrigation industrial (4+5) Sl.No District)) ( water supply 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 THENI 38,685.27 29,341.10 754.22 30,095.32 78 4 1

Firka Wise Summary (in ha.m)

THENI DISTRICT

Existing Stage of Existing Existing Net Annual Gross Ground Category of Assessment Gross Gross Ground Ground Water the Firka Unit Ground Ground Water Water Developme Water Water (Firka) Availability Draft for nt SI.No Draft for Draft for domestic {(6/3)*100} Irrigation All uses and % (4+5) industrial

water

supply 1 ANDIPATTI 2,158.75 1,918.20 60.74 1,978.94 92 CRITICAL BODINAYAKA 2 1,952.78 1,091.60 3.89 1,095.49 56 SAFE NUR CHINNAMANU 3 1,748.34 611.60 16.26 627.86 36 SAFE R

4 CUMBAM 5,653.23 3,317.55 38.99 3,356.54 59 SAFE DEVATHANAP SEMI 5 4,147.74 3,039.50 86.74 3,126.24 75 ATTI CRITICAL ERASAKKANAI OVER 6 1,553.91 1,934.80 29.88 1,964.68 126 CKANUR EXPLOITED OVER 7 KANDAMANUR 1,533.82 1,752.65 58.28 1,810.93 118 EXPLOITED

THENI DISTRICT

water

supply KODANGIPATT 8 1,824.17 1,202.00 55.90 1,257.90 69 SAFE I KODIVILARPA OVER 9 1,528.09 2,099.00 72.35 2,171.35 142 TTI EXPLOITED MARKAYANKO 10 1,557.69 910.80 26.87 937.67 60 SAFE TTAI MAYLADUMPA 11 2,294.23 1,438.15 30.51 1,468.66 64 SAFE RAI 12 RAJATHANI 1,173.03 1,113.50 38.40 1,151.90 98 CRITICAL RASINGAPUR 13 1,079.56 675.40 52.90 728.30 67 SAFE AM SEMI 14 THENI 2,603.59 1,816.80 39.86 1,856.66 71 CRITICAL SEMI 15 THENKARAI 3,637.68 2,655.55 70.03 2,725.58 75 CRITICAL OVER 16 THEVARAM 1,335.34 1,393.00 33.02 1,426.02 107 EXPLOITED UTHAMAPALA SEMI 17 2,903.33 2,371.00 39.59 2,410.59 83 YAM CRITICAL TOTAL 38,685.27 29,341.10 754.22 30,095.32 78

4. Groundwater quality issues:

The rainfall is the main source for the availability of water both in surface and sub surface. The quantum of rainfall varies every year depending upon the monsoon. However, the extraction of surface and sub surface water is increasing year by year. It leads to environmental impact on the water sources like depletion of water

23 level, deterioration of water quality. It makes the demand for the quantification of available water and also its quality for various purposes like agriculture, industries, drinking and domestic purposes. For the present assessment, the value of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) have been considered for demarcation of good / bad quality areas. For this purpose, the TDS value of less than or equal to 2000 mg/l have been considered as good quality and the value more than 2000 mg/l have been considered as bad quality areas. The presence of fluoride in natural Ground Water is having its merits and demerits depending upon the concentration. Presence of fluoride <1.0 mg/l in drinking water reduces dental diseases whereas higher level > 1.50 mg/l will affect the health and causes dental fluoridise. Nitrate is noted significantly in Ground Water due to use of chemical fertilizer for agriculture and other local pollution rocks and soils are also contributing nitrate to Ground Water. Arsenic is another poisonous heavy metal in Ground Water. The allowable limits for drinking purposes are 0.05 mg/l. In Theni District, the quality of Ground Water generally ranges from moderate to good quality both in the shallow dug well and bore wells except in & around the Kazhuveli tank, where the water quality is poor due to seawater intrusion in the lagoons during high tide seasons, the production of salt and Aquaculture farming.

5. Groundwater issues and challenges:

The groundwater quantity and quality are to be highlighted and may be analyzed in terms of :

(i)Problems posed by nature:

In terms of Quantitative aspects, nowadays, rainfall may more within the short period of duration. Due to this aspect, recharge is less and runoff will be more. The availability of groundwater is less due to over extraction than recharge. The Percentage of OE/Critical Firkas increased due to this reason. Increasing the artificial recharge structures in the proper areas may avoid the depletion of groundwater especially in OE/Critical Firkas.

(ii) Problems caused by anthropogenic activities:

The problems caused due to intensive groundwater extraction, intensive surface water irrigation, intensive mining activities, growing urban complexes and industrial establishments will lead to drastic depletion in groundwater resources only. Proper alternative recharge structures must be established.

(iii) Problems caused by socio-economic condition:

The land holdings of farmers may be different from another. One farmer having more than 5 Acres has less expense than a farmer having one acre. The free electric supply to all farmers have chance to extract more groundwater. To avoid this, proper guidance will be given to the farmers for the usage of groundwater.

(iv) Administrative issues:

To control, regulate and manage the Ground Water Resources in the State, there is no groundwater act, now in force. But, the Chennai Metropolitan Area Ground Water (Regulation) Act, 1987 is in force and it extends to Chennai City and notified 302 revenue villages in Kanchipuram and Thiruvallur Districts, only. The rest of Tamilnadu, G.O.(Ms).No.142, Public Works (R2) Department, dated: 23.07.2014 and G.O.(Ms).No.113, Public Works (R2) Dept , Dt:09.06.2016 are regulate and manage the groundwater resources. The Government of Tamil Nadu had enacted the Tamil Nadu Ground Water (Development and Management) Act, 2003. However, this Act was repealed on 14.09.2013, in order to enact a comprehensive law to develop and manage the groundwater in the changed scenario in the State. The pricing policy for groundwater users is also an important strategy in controlling the illegal extraction of groundwater by taking from lorries,etc. The unused dug wells and bore wells can be used as artificial recharge structures will be good concept in recharging the ground water.

6. Groundwater Management and Regulations:

(i) Statute/Law/Policy/Regulations if any:

The Central Ground Water Authority has been constituted to regulate, control, development and management of ground water resources for whole country based on overall situation prevailing in India. But, the ground water conditions are varying from State to State. Ground Water is a State subject and the State Government has every right to protect and regulate their own precious ground water resources according to the prevailing conditions in the State.

The Tamil Nadu Government had enacted “The Tamil Nadu Ground Water (Development and Management) Act, 2003” which was subsequently

25 repealed in 2013, so as to bring out an effective management Act considering the present scenario. As an interim measure, for regulating the exploitation of ground water, the Government have issued G.O. (Ms) No.142,PWD dated 23.07.2014 for regulations for management of ground water for safe guarding the scarce groundwater resources in Tamil Nadu State. In the absence of an Act, the Government executes this Government order to control, regulate and manage the Ground Water Resources while taking into consideration of the future of the State and its people.

The State Ground and Surface Water Resources Data Centre has estimated the Ground Water resources of Tamil Nadu State periodically in co-ordination with the Central Ground Water Board, Government of India, SECR, Chennai, based on the Methodology evolved by Ground Water Resources Estimation Committee, 1997 (GEC 97).

Accordingly, the Ground Water Potential Assessment done as on January 1992 and as on January 1997 on the basis of Panchayat Union Blocks as assessment units in Tamil Nadu and categorized as Dark, Grey and White areas. The Blocks with more than 85% to 100% ground water development were categorized as “Dark Blocks” and the blocks with ground water development between 65% to 85% were categorized as “Grey Blocks” and less than 65% ground water development were categorized as “White Blocks” and the Government approved the categorisation and released as Government order and G.O.No:326, PW (R2) Dept, dated: 23.11.1993. It was in effect up to the next assessment done as on March 2003.

Subsequently, the Ground Water Potential Assessment done as on March 2003, categorized the blocks as Over Exploited, Critical, Semi Critical, Safe, Saline instead of Dark, Grey and White blocks. The Blocks with more than 100% were categorized as “Over Exploited Blocks”, the blocks in between 90% to 100% as “Critical Blocks”, the blocks in between 65% to 90% as “Semi Critical Blocks” and less than 65% as “Safe Blocks” and the bad quality blocks were categorized as “Saline Blocks” and the same was approved by the Government and released as G.O.No:51, PW (R2) Dept, dated: 11.02.2004. It was in effect up to the next assessment done as on March 2009.

The Next Ground Water Potential Assessment done as on March 2009, and the same was approved by the Government and released as G.O.No:52,PW(R2) Dept, dated: 02.03.2012.

As per G.O.No.52,PW(R2) Dept, dated: 02.03.2012 and G.O. (Ms) No.142,PW(R2)Dept dated 23.07.2014, the State Government have authorized and empowered the Chief Engineer, State Ground and Surface Water Resources Data Centre, Chennai for issuing permission or license or No Objection Certificate/renewal for drawal and transportation of Ground Water based on the hydro geological conditions to the New Industries, Packaged Drinking Water Companies, Infrastructures and Mining projects, etc except the areas to which the Chennai Metropolitan Area Ground Water (Regulation) Act,1987 extends.

Subsequently, the next Ground Water Resources Assessment of the State was completed as on March 2011 and taking Firka as an assessment unit in the State of Tamil Nadu. Based on the above assessment, the Government had approved and issued G.O.(Ms).No.113, Public Works (R2) Dept , Dt:09.06.2016 for categorisation of the Firkas in the State as Over Exploited, Critical, Semi-Critical and Safe Firkas. All the Over Exploited and Critical Firkas are notified as “A” Category (where the stage of ground water extraction is 90% and Above) and all the Semi Critical and Safe Firkas are notified as “B” Category (where the stage of ground water extraction is below 89%). In this Government Order, the Government had directed that no Schemes should be formulated in the “A” Category Firkas and in “B” Category Firkas, all the Schemes should be formulated through State Ground and Surface Water Resources Data Centre by issuing No Objection Certificate for Ground Water Clearance.

The term “Schemes” excludes Energisation of Agricultural pump sets by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board. The present order may also exclude the Ground Water drawal for a). Domestic purpose by individual household, b). Domestic Infrastructure project (Housing), c).Government’s Drinking Water Supply Schemes and d). non water based industries, (i.e.- the industries which do not require and use water, either as raw material or for other processing). However, the domestic use of water by this non water based industries will be permitted by the Chief Engineer / State Ground and Surface Water Resources Data Centre based on hydro geological conditions. (i.e.

NOC from Chief Engineer, State Ground and Surface Water Resources Data Centre, Water Resources Department, Chennai). The list of non water based industries will be issued by the Industries Department of Government of Tamil Nadu separately.

Appropriate rain water harvesting and Artificial recharge schemes should be carried out in the categories viz , Over exploited , Critical , Semi Critical and Safe blocks of Tamil Nadu. While carrying out the above schemes, priority should be given to marginal quality and bad quality areas so as to avoid further deterioration.

All the schemes and proposals based on Ground Water will have to adhere to the Government orders and conditions. The Chief Engineer, State Ground and Surface Water Resources Data Centre had received the Government approval on Groundwater Assessment as on March 2011.

Regarding granting permission/ License for transportation of ground water for water suppliers/ private water tankers for selling the water on commercial basis, the State Ground and Surface Water Resources Data Centre, Public Works Department is not issuing any No Objection Certificate.

The Chief Engineer, SG&SWRDC have empowered to issue the NOC for drawal of Ground Water is up to 1 Million Gallons per day. Beyond this, the firms should get an approval in Water Utilisation Committee for drawal of both Surface and Ground Water resources in Tamil Nadu.

(ii) Suggestions for improvement of groundwater governance.

Groundwater is recognized as a common pool resource. The use of groundwater by anybody should in no way cause adverse impacts on realization of other person’s fundamental right to safe water for life. Access to groundwater without any discrimination, equitable distribution, and sustainable use considering the needs of future generations are considered. Right to water for life is the first priority and then to agriculture, and eco system needs. The precautionary principle and the polluter pay principle only to conserve and recharge groundwater.

The responsibility of the State for ensuring every person’s right to safe water even when water service is delegated to a private agency. Groundwater is not amenable to ownership by the State, communities or persons

and the State is the public trustee of groundwater. It also deals elaborately on groundwater protection and groundwater security plans.

The Groundwater Act should incorporate legal pronouncement on groundwater such as the public, trust doctrine and recognition of the right to groundwater. It addresses the deficiencies in the present legal frame work in dealing with over exploitation and includes the improvements to the control mechanism to ensure the qualitative and quantitative sustainability of groundwater resources. It proposes to strengthen the regulating powers of Panchayat and Municipal bodies related to Ground water in line with articles 243G and 243W of the constitution.

The Pricing of Ground Water for irrigation, Industrial and domestic purposes and collecting fees by water users association should be left to the State decision.

(iii) Institutions governing/managing/monitoring the resources and Institutional structure, gaps if any : While framing the Groundwater Act, the recommendation for the constitution of (1) Gram Panchayat Groundwater Sub-Committee, (2) Block Panchayat Groundwater Management, (3) Ward Groundwater Committee, (4) Municipal Water Management Committee, (5) District Ground Water Council and (6) State Ground Water Advisory Council to control and manage Ground water should be considered.

 The constitution of aforesaid committees is completely based on administrative boundaries such as village, block, ward, municipality, district etc. But, with respect to water resources control and management issues and conflicts, the boundary should be based on river basins to have efficient monitoring and management of water resources. The Government of India, in all issues related to water resources considered only the basin boundary concept. Hence, the institutional frame work has to be revised so as to have the jurisdiction of the committees with respect to basin / watershed concept. Further, Government of India, MoWR, RD &GR advocates time and again integrated water resources management. The above institutional frame work separately for groundwater is not in line with that.

 Further, it has also provided for many committees, viz., Gram Panchayat Groundwater Sub-Committee, Village Water and Sanitation Committee, Ward Committee, Municipal Committee, Block level Committee, District level Committee and State level Committee. For managing surface water resource water users association already exists. Too many committees at village / ward level would jeopardize the very purpose of managing the Groundwater resources efficiently and may invite lot of conflicts.

(iv) Areas of people/private participation if any:

The participation of people or private parties in the groundwater management is not suggestible, acceptable one and more chances of making litigations in the society and has unnecessary law and order problems may arise.

7. Tools and Methods

(i) Water Level and quality measurements through wells, piezometers, DWLR with telemetry, ground water elevation.

In general, water levels in the observation wells and piezometers can be taken manually by measuring tape. This is the simple, cost effective, good accuracy and less maintenance method. Water Levels are observed above the Measuring point.

Monitoring water level in DWLR with telemetry is costly, high maintenance, good accuracy, get the data immediately on desktop, easy to analysis purpose.

The water quality generally is analysed in the Chemical Lab only by collecting water samples in Pre Monsoon and post Monsoon period in the field. Sometimes, instant kits are used for analyzing the TDS and Ph level in the water.

(ii) Metering water supply to confirm contribution from groundwater.

Metering the water supply is essential one to monitor the overall usage of groundwater by different sectors. Flow meter must be fixed in every extraction structure and it has to be monitored periodically by Government officials.

8. Performance Indicators:

(i) Bench Marks/ Norms/ Standards and deviation from the norms/bench marks/ standards currently.

The Ground Water resources of State periodically estimated in co- ordination with the Central Ground Water Board, Government of India, SECR, Chennai,

based on the Norms evolved by Ground Water Resources Estimation Committee, 1997 (GEC 97).

The ground water potential assessment can be assessed based on the bench marks such as Average Rainfall, Total recharged Area, Monthly Water Level Data, Total no of wells in the area, Irrigation methods adopted, Cropping pattern details, Geological conditions prevailing in that area, Specific yield, Seepage factor, Constructed Artificial recharge structures, etc and various calculations methods, etc, have to be considered.

Status of various Performance Indicators

(ii) Percentage of over exploited ,critical, Semi critical , Safe and Saline/Poor quality Firkas/area units

 Trend of over exploited and critical Firkas to total Firkas as per pervious assessment. ( 2009 Assessment Vs 2011 Assessment) The Ground Water Potential Assessment as on March 2009, Out of 8 blocks in Theni District, 8 blocks are categorized as Over Exploited and Critical blocks . The next Ground Water Resources Assessment of the State was done as on March 2011 and taking Firka as an assessment unit. In Theni District, totally 17 Firkas, 6 Firkas are categorized as Over Exploited and remaining 11 Firkas are categorized as Semi Critical and Safe blocks.

Instead of taking Block as an assessment, Firka can be taken as assessment unit is to concentrate the assessment in micro level. For Eg, a block contains more than three to four Firkas. In this block, two Firkas may have good groundwater potential than other two Firkas but it may to categorize as Over Exploited. To avoid this, assessment done on the basis of Firkas for the benefit of farmers to the implementation of schemes related to Irrigation. The percentage of over exploited and critical Firkas has been increased by changing the concept from Block to Firka assessment. The total percentage of over exploited and critical Blocks for 2009 Assessment is 100%, but, the total percentage of over exploited and critical Firkas as on March 2011 Assessment is 35.29%, in the Theni District.

 Trend of over exploited and critical Firkas to total Firkas as per latest assessment The percentage of over exploited and critical Firkas has been decreased in 2013 latest assessment when compared to 2011 assessment. In 2011 assessment, out of 17 Firkas, the total percentage of over exploited and critical Firkas is 35.29%, but, In 2013 assessment, out of 17 Firkas, it has been come down marginally to 35.29%, in the Theni District.  Existing state of groundwater resources as compared to previous assessment ( 2013 Vs 2011 assessment).

Based on the Estimation of Ground Water Resources of Tamil Nadu State as on March 2013, Out of 17 Firkas in the District, 5 Firkas are categorized as “Over Exploited Firkas”, 1 Firkas are categorized as “Critical Firkas”, 8 Firkas are categorized as “Semi Critical Firkas”, 3 Firkas are categorized as “Safe Firkas”. Based on the Estimation of Ground Water Resources of Tamil Nadu State as on March 2011, Out of 17 Firkas in the District, 4 Firkas are categorized as “Over Exploited Firkas”, 2 Firkas are categorized as “Critical Firkas”, 4 Firkas are categorized as “Semi Critical Firkas”, 7 Firkas are categorized as “Safe Firkas”. When compared to last assessment as on March 2011, the “Over Exploited Firkas” comes down from 5 to 4 Firkas, the “Critical Firkas” increased from 1 to 2 Firkas, the “Semi Critical Firkas” decreased from 8 to 4 Firkas, the “Safe Firkas” increased from 3 to 7 Firkas and the “Saline Firkas” 32 remains Nil Firkas. The alteration of Firkas are due to the construction of Artificial Recharge structures such as Check Dams, Recharge Wells, Recharge shafts, percolation ponds; etc was constructed in the “Over Exploited Firkas” by various departments. No of Firkas S.No Categorisation 2011 2013 1 Over Exploited 5 4 2 Critical 1 2 3 Semi Critical 8 4 4 Safe 3 7 5 Saline Nil Nil TOTAL 17 17

(iii) Water Level(Well hydrographs and water level trends – pre and post monsoon such as declining trend/rising trend,etc).

(iv) Comparison of area irrigated from groundwater resources (Current assessment 2013 to previous assessment 2011).

2011 2013 S.No Description Assessment Assessment 1 Area Irrigated from ground 6538.07 6505.06 water resources( In hm)

(v) No. of groundwater abstraction structures (existing no. over the year and trends).

2011 2013 S.No Description Assessment Assessment 1 No of groundwater abstraction 1,71,071 Wells 1,70,983 Wells structures for Irrigation

(vi) Trend in water quality ( no of habitations affected with groundwater contamination like As, F, Salinity etc. Change in contamination level over the years.

(vii) Source augmentation (Groundwater)

 Area covered with infrastructure for recharging groundwater:

The proper artificial recharge structures has to be constructed based on local geological conditions in the areas of existing infrastructure for recharging groundwater according to their extraction needs.

 GW recharge plan to combat adversaries:

Groundwater recharge plans has to be strictly followed by with of implementing the groundwater laws to combat adversaries.

9. Reforms undertaken/being undertaken/proposed if any.

10. Road Map of activities/tasks proposed for better governance with timelines and agencies responsible for each task/activity.